Getting High on Lunesta: Facts & Myths

Using Lunesta beyond its purpose as a treatment for insomnia can result in side effects that some may consider a high.

Lunesta has been shown to cause such effects as impaired thinking, hazardous behavior, loss of motor control, hallucinations and memory loss, while some users also report a euphoric feeling.

Is Lunesta addictive?

Lunesta has the potential to be addictive. The drug is classified as a Schedule IV Controlled Substance by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, meaning that the drug has a low potential for abuse, but that abuse may still lead to physical or psychological dependence. Learn the signs of Lunesta addiction to avoid the possible negative conaequences.

About Lunesta

Lunesta is one of the most popular medical methods for treating insomnia. Lunesta is a brand name for eszopiclone, a sedative in a class of medications known as nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics. Eszopiclone affects various chemicals in the brain in order to help people with insomnia to regulate their sleep, and is believed to interact with GABA receptors.

Lunesta is beneficial for short-term treatment of insomnia, and its benefits can typically be noticed within one week from the beginning of the treatment.

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Can You Get High on Lunesta?

The answer to this question depends on how one would define a “high”; however, Lunesta can certainly impair your thinking. In its recommended use, a user takes Lunesta and then spends at least 7 hours asleep. If the user decides to take Lunesta and not sleep, or is woken up, the resulting condition may lead to memory loss and engagement in hazardous behaviors (sleep-driving, for example).

Taking Lunesta with other depressants such as alcohol and opioids, with other sedative-hypnotics or on an empty stomach can lead to drowsiness (somnolence).

Additionally, exceeding the optimal dose of 2-3 mg Lunesta may lead to:

Hallucinations

Agitation

Depression and suicidal thoughts

Aggressive behavior

Lunesta and Its Recreational Value

There are conflicting reports regarding the recreational value of Lunesta. Some say that a Lunesta high is impossible even though using other sleep drugs recreationally, such as Ambien and Sonata, can induce euphoric feelings; others report that Lunesta can provide recreational effects. Lunesta is Schedule IV Controlled Substance in the USA, meaning that the potential for abuse and dependency is not very high, though still possible.

Some users claim to have felt euphoria after taking Lunesta in a wakeful state. This effect may be due to Lunesta’s effect on the GABA receptors in the brain, which are responsible for relaxation. Others have reported experiencing frightening visuals.

Some users report that Lunesta decreases anxiety, affects judgment and causes retrograde amnesia. As a result, users have experienced episodes following Lunesta use in which they have engaged in risky, dangerous behaviors and retained no memory.

Many people also report a loss of motor control and drowsiness.

A study of abuse liability showed that high doses of eszopiclone produced:

Euphoric effect

Amnesia

Hallucinations

This study was carried out with patients with a history of benzodiazepine abuse. Interestingly, the effects noticed were similar to those of Diazepam (20 mg). Some argue that despite its similarity to some benzodiazepines (such as Klonopin), only a high dose of 8-12 mg mixed with alcohol can lead to any recreational effects.

Overall, Lunesta is most effective in its intended use as a sleeping aid, and side effects differ from user to user.

Lunesta and Dependency

Like most sleep medications, repeated Lunesta use can lead to tolerance and dependency, especially for people with a history of drug abuse.

Withdrawal symptoms include:

Allergic reactions (trouble breathing, nausea)

Unpleasant taste in your mouth

Upset stomach

Dizziness

Headaches

Nausea

Anxiety

Some elderly patients may experience adverse psychomotor effects, which can lead to accidental falls.

To avoid withdrawal effects, users should not stop using Lunesta suddenly, especially after taking it for several days in a row. If they experience any warning signs, they should consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Importantly, if the administration of Lunesta is carried out improperly, it may in fact worsen insomnia instead of treating it.

Like other drugs that affect the brain, Lunesta has the potential to affect the user’s state of mind, including inducing a sense of being “high.”

It is important to be aware of the effects of the drugs you are using, so learn more in order to avoid abuse and remain safe.